In many cases, a dental implant can stay securely rooted for 20 or more years without problems. The process of osseointegration causes bone tissue to grow around the implant, protecting it from damage or removal. But there are rare cases where the parts that make up an implant can be broken or dislodged. Learn more about dental implants and how to care for them with the help from your dentists at Towne Centre Family Dental in Hillsborough, NJ.

Implant Maintenance Tips
The better you care for your teeth, the more likely you are to have an issue-free experience with your dental implants. You can increase the chance of maintaining a strong, healthy dental implant by following these tips:

Avoid biting down on tough or hard foods.

Floss between your implanted teeth after each meal to reduce the chance of gum disease, which can damage the implant or cause it to come loose.

Visit your dentist every six months to have a professional cleaning to remove any plaque buildup around the implant.

Protect your teeth with a custom mouthguard when participating in sports.

How an Implant Can Be Broken
Though the material that makes up an implant is extremely durable, there are a few ways that an implant can be broken. An unexpected injury, such as a blow to the face while playing a sport is one possible way. If the position of your bite is awkward, the crown can become damaged over time. Clenching and grinding often could also cause the crown to crack. Additionally, gum disease can compromise the dental implant, causing it to loosen from its socket.

Getting the Implant Fixed
If you have issues with your dental implant, you should visit your Hillsborough dentist for evaluation. If the crown is broken and can't be repaired, a new one can be created and installed in a couple of appointments. If the problem is the titanium device, a new device may need to be surgically implanted.

Make that Call
As soon as there's a problem with your dental implant you should call your dentist to make an appointment. Call Towne Centre Family Dental in Hillsborough, NJ at (908) 874-4555 today.